Rory McIlroy still on course for US Open glory

Rory McIlroy remained on course for a maiden major title after making a nerveless start to his final round at Congressional.

Rory McIlroy is still on course for a maiden major title (Pic: Reuters)

Beginning the day with an eight-shot lead over YE Yang, the Northern Irishman stuck to the aggressive gameplan which had served him so spectacularly well over the first three rounds, moving to a record-breaking 16 under par after eight holes to stretch his advantage to a deservedly dominating nine shots.

Having also led after 54 holes at the Masters, the last major, before imploding on the final day when an 80 saw him finish ten shots behind the winner, McIlroy would not make the mistake of celebrating victory prematurely.

McIlroy made his intentions clear on the opening hole, shrugging off a difficult lie to hit his approach to nine feet and making no mistake with the birdie putt to move to 15 under par.

He had not three-putted all week, and he kept it that way after leaving his 45-foot birdie attempt on the short second hole seven feet short.

The American galleries who had taken the youngster to their hearts did not have long to wait to see him ten in front and 16 under par â four better than Tiger Woods US Open benchmark 11 years ago, when Woods won by a major record 15 shots.

The next birdie came with another towering iron shot from McIlroy that spun back to within four feet of the flag on the 470-yard fourth.

A three-putt bogey looked a big possibility at the fifth when the leader, having driven into sand, left a 70-foot putt 14 feet short, but in it went for par, much to the delight of the packed crowd.

The job had still to be completed, of course, but world No.1 Luke Donald had seen enough, making his feelings clear after himself finishing five over par.

âI think he has probably the most talent Iâve ever seen from a golfer,â said the Englishman.

Elsewhere, world No.2 Lee Westwood was one of at least ten players in with a chance of second place. Nine shots ahead, McIlroy was in a class of his own.